Technology Archives

November 22, 2010

Kingstone seminar video available online

During a Nov. 16 appearance at Mississippi State sponsored by the Office of Research and Economic Development and the Office of Facility Security, Florida businessman, consultant and advocate Brett Kingstone warned his audience that the U.S. must protect its intellectual property and innovative technology.

Kingstone also shared war stories from his own battle against trade-secret piracy and counterfeiting. In September 2002, he and his company won $42 million, the largest jury verdict in the history of the State of Florida for an intellectual property crime, for a case against a group of counterfeiters based in Shanghai, China, that took three years to bring to civil trial and also was pursued by the FBI.

A video archive of Kingstone's presentation, "The Real War: Technology Theft," is available online at http://www.msworkforceuniversity.com/ored/?p=98, but a password is required. If you are interested in viewing the video, please contact MSU Facility Security Officer Neil Lewis at (662) 325-8682.

December 17, 2010

Looking back: 2010 a phenomenal year

As we wrap up another calendar year at Mississippi State, I've looked back on my past year in this position and have seen progress on so many fronts.

The Cotton Mill conference center is moving toward reality, and I am convinced it will have a tremendous impact on MSU and Starkville. The university commissioned an independent feasibility study of the project, which came back with a very positive assessment, and even a recommendation that the hotel should be enlarged. We hope to see completion in 18-24 months.

Following the Select Committee on Efficiencies and Innovation, several follow-up committees have provided me with recommendations specific to the research program. I have already implemented a number of these recommendations, and am working toward others. Our office is working to provide better and more efficient support to your research efforts, identify new opportunities, and build the infrastructure necessary to continue moving our institution forward.

Engine for growth and progress
As many of you know, our university has been a key asset in creating economic development opportunities in Mississippi. We truly are serving as an engine for growth and progress in the state, and the Mississippi Development Authority and Legislature have come to fully realize the strategic benefit that a top-tier research university can be in industry recruitment, as well as business development and support.

The Research Park is an important component of our overall research and economic development strategy, and we are excited about the new business incubator building that was completed in the park this month. Tenant feedback has been very positive. We have also brought together the Research and Technology Corporation, the Office of Technology Commercialization, and the Cochran Entrepreneurship Center, physically co-locating them in that building so that they can work together closely and provide better service to MSU faculty and our industry partners.

In addition, the MSU Science and Technology Center building under construction at Stennis Space Center is moving along ahead of schedule, and should open mid-year. This facility will house the Northern Gulf Institute, and establish a strong presence onsite at SSC and expand the university’s presence throughout the Gulf South region.

Earlier this fall, the Electron Microscopy Center and the Institute for Neurocognitive Science and Technology were brought together into the Institute for Imaging and Analytical Technologies. I2AT is poised to have the infrastructure and expertise to accomplish more than the sum of its parts. It is also developing a partnership with the College of Veterinary Medicine for clinical imaging capabilities for animals that will be unique in the Southeast.

Committed team
Turning specifically to the Office of Research and Economic Development, our staffing is in place and I could not be more pleased with the team we have. Each person in ORED has a tremendous can-do attitude and is wholly committed to Mississippi State and the growth of our research enterprise.

There are so many other things that come to mind, but this is a great sampling of the phenomenal year we have had. As I reflect, I am so appreciative of the spirit of cooperation that exists on our campus, and I am honored to be in a position such as this that allows me to see first-hand the tremendous resourcefulness and intellectual capability of our faculty, staff, and students.

I wish you all the very best for the holidays, and look forward to a great 2011. And go Dawgs! Beat Michigan!

January 26, 2011

Centers & Institutes: discover their cutting-edge capabilities

Mississippi State's research centers and institutes are solving problems, finding solutions, creating opportunities and changing the way the world does business. Check out our updated centers and institutes brochure and discover their cutting-edge capabilities.

February 8, 2011

Google doodle: Happy Birthday, Jules Verne

Today’s Google doodle gives web surfers the opportunity to dive below the ocean’s surface in a retro-futuristic submarine. Hit the bottom and you’ll discover brightly colored coral filling your submerged windows on the fantastical undersea world. It’s a tip of the hat to Jules Verne and his 183rd birthday.

Verne (1828-1905), the acclaimed writer of the classic, “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” and other works of early science fiction, wrote about technology yet to be invented and worlds yet to be discovered in the second half of the 19th Century. His writing paved the way for the popular genre in many ways.

And that raises an interesting question: Does science fiction help or hurt the cause of research, innovation and discovery? It’s something to think about over a second slice of cake.

July 2, 2012

New Internet2 connection boosting research, collaboration

When researchers and faculty members at Mississippi's research universities and institutions switch on their computers this morning, they have a new direct connection to the ultrafast Internet2 network via the new Jackson Internet2 connector site.

With more than 8 terabytes per second of potential capacity now flowing through Jackson, the Internet2 connection gives Mississippi's researchers the ability to share large sets of data with collaborators across the country and around the globe. University officials expect the enhanced connection to boost research and economic development efforts statewide.

The switchover moves the high-speed connections used to support research at Jackson State University, Mississippi State University, University of Mississippi, UM Medical Center and University of Southern Mississippi from Baton Rouge, La., to Jackson. The start-up and transfer is a joint project between the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning and Internet2.

David Shaw, vice president for research and economic development at MSU, said the direct connectivity to the new Internet2 point of presence in Jackson will allow for enhanced collaboration with other research universities and federal labs around the nation and the world.

"By enabling the development of new software applications, providing real-time control of remote instruments and allowing for massive data transfers more quickly and reliably than before, this enhanced capability will allow MSU to engage in new research endeavors, advance scientific discovery and promote economic development activities for the region and the state," Shaw said.

The project was made possible through expansion funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program. The switchover was months in planning with representatives from each institution making a case for the move. Last fall, IHL signed an agreement with Internet2.

"Connecting to the Internet2 network represents a tremendous step for Mississippi public universities, the state and its citizens," said Hank M. Bounds, IHL commissioner. "Our institutions collaborate very closely on academics and research, and improving our connectivity through Internet2 will strengthen this process. The end result is research and innovation that encourage and support economic growth and opportunities to benefit all Mississippians."

The Jackson connector site is possible because of the new Mississippi Optical Network, referred to as MissiON.

Former Gov. Haley Barbour worked with AT&T to create the network for the Mississippi Research Consortium, which includes UM, MSU, USM and JSU. The network also serves the UM Medical Center, the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center in Vicksburg and NASA's Stennis Space Center.

"We are delighted that MissiON is now directly connected to the Internet2 Network and that these expanded capabilities of the new Internet2 network are available in Jackson," said Rob Vietzke, Internet2 vice president of network services. "The new network node dramatically improves Mississippi's ability to collaborate with hundreds of similarly connected advanced research organizations across the globe.

"MissiON, which is the 21st regional network to become a connector to the Internet2 Network, now makes it possible for Mississippi Research Consortium members to use our newly upgraded 100G network — the nation's fastest, coast-to-coast network — to implement new technologies that support scientific 'big data' and cloud applications to drive innovation involving clean energy, cancer cures, astronomy and other important global collaborative research."

February 5, 2014

It might be cold, but spring semester racing forward

While the weather in our state has been decidedly wintry the past few weeks, the spring semester at Mississippi State has been racing forward. Like most of you, we have been remarkably busy in the Office of Research and Economic Development, and I would like to take a few minutes to give you an update.

David Shaw is vice president for research and economic development at Mississippi State University.

Research-related policy updates
After a comprehensive review and careful consideration by all stakeholders, Mississippi State University Operating Policy 56.06 has been updated. This policy brings a common approach to all faculty promotion efforts, and better recognizes the unique roles that our differing faculty appointments have. Drs. Gilbert, Bohach and I have worked with deans, directors and Faculty Senate to ensure we have created a suitable and comparable process for all of the various research, extension and clinical appointments that do not have teaching responsibilities. Many thanks to everyone involved for the efforts to create a much more aligned and workable policy. You may find the policy in its entirety at http://www.policies.msstate.edu/policypdfs/5606.pdf

The university's Cost Share Policy 80.13 has been updated, as well. This update will bring the university into complete alignment with all relevant federal policies, and also articulates the ins and outs of when cost share should and should not be requested. The policy is posted online at http://www.policies.msstate.edu/policypdfs/8013.pdf

Reminder: Research award nominations wanted
As I mentioned last month, our office and the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine recognize outstanding faculty, staff and students during an annual research awards banquet every spring. The 2014 nomination period for research awards and the Ralph E. Powe Research Excellence Award is now open, and I encourage you to submit your nominations by the March 3 deadline. Additional details and nomination forms are posted on the Maroon Research blog at http://blogs.msstate.edu/ored

MSU hosting Lawrence Berkeley National Lab Day
Next Monday [Feb. 10], I hope that you will be able to participate in Lawrence Berkeley National Lab Day. Officials from this top tier federal research laboratory will be on campus for sessions with MSU faculty, staff, administrators and students, as well as local industry and government representatives. Participants will explore collaborative research opportunities and funding possibilities, among other topics. We had a great turnout for Argonne National Lab Days last fall, and I anticipate that this one will be as productive for everyone. Please register at http://www.tfaforms.com/314074

Jeanson to lead Office of Entrepreneurship and Technology Transfer
I am pleased to announce that Josh Jeanson is the new director of the Office of Entrepreneurship and Technology Transfer at Mississippi State, effective Feb. 1. He will be filling the leadership post held previously by Gerald Nelson, who is retiring later this spring. As you may recall, in 2011 MSU's Entrepreneurship Center and Office of Technology Commercialization were merged, and Gerald has done a fabulous job of bringing the university's technology transfer efforts and entrepreneurship focus together in OETT. We are glad he will be here during this important transition, and excited about Josh taking the helm. A news release about the change is online at http://www.research.msstate.edu/rresources/news.php?id=3160

Street named interim director of Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute
In other leadership news, Wayne Wilkerson is stepping down as director of the Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute, and Joe Street, associate director of the MSU Extension Service, has been named interim director of MWRRI. Wayne announced his retirement recently, and we appreciate his important contributions to the institute and our state, and wish him the best. Dr. Street will lead MWRRI until a permanent director is named. We expect that search to begin later this year. Read more about this transition at http://www.research.msstate.edu/rresources/news.php?id=3161

EHS launches 'Safety University' for Campus Services supervisors
The Environmental Health and Safety Office and Campus Services are partnering to provide a year-long safety training program called "Safety University." This series of sessions provides Campus Services supervisors with training to enhance workplace safety in their departments while balancing safety, productivity and quality. Each month, the groups will meet for a one-hour workshop where relevant topics, such as risk assessment, job hazard analysis and accident investigation, will be discussed. Workshops will also include presentations from MSU’s General Counsel and off-campus safety professionals. For additional information, please contact Michael Parsons at mparsons@ehs.msstate.edu

Research and community engagement opportunities for students
As many of you know, providing research and community engagement opportunities for all of our students are top priorities at Mississippi State. In early April, my office is co-sponsoring the Spring 2014 Undergraduate Research Symposium and Community Engagement Presentations. This program is open to all of our undergraduate students who are participating in faculty-guided research this academic year. Please encourage your students to participate in this special event, which features four categories: arts and humanities, biological sciences and engineering, physical sciences and engineering, and social sciences. For additional information, please visit http://www.honors.msstate.edu/research/symposium or contact Seth Oppenheimer at seth@math.msstate.edu

Kudos and congratulations
I enjoy hearing about our faculty and staff successes, and sharing them with you every month. Here are several that have come across my desk recently:

* Congratulations to Robert Crossler, assistant professor of information systems in the College of Business, who was named a co-winner of the 2013 Institute for Operations Research and Management Sciences Information Systems Society's Design Science Award. Dr. Crossler and a colleague at Virginia Tech were recognized for collaborative research that targeted the improvement of information privacy practices for individuals.

* Kudos to Kathleen Alley, assistant professor of elementary education in the College of Education, who received the J. Michael Parker Award at the annual meeting of the Literacy Research Association in December. The award is given to the most distinguished research on adult literacy. Her award-winning study, called "Playing in Trellis Weyr: Collaborative Authorships in a Dragons of Pern Role Play Game Forum," was presented at the conference.

* Congratulations to Pedro Mago, Tennessee Valley Authority professor in energy systems and the environment in the Bagley College of Engineering, who has been named a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers for significant contributions to the field of energy, especially in the combined heat and power and waste heat recovery technologies.

Final words
Thank you for reading this month's letter. If you have any questions or comments about research or economic development at Mississippi State, please feel free to contact me at dshaw@research.msstate.edu

September 8, 2014

Don't miss special speakers visiting campus this month

With the fall semester well underway, there is no shortage of activity on the calendar. While all of us are very busy, I hope that you will take the time to join us for a special guest speaker on Sept. 15. Will Mackie, a senior attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice's National Security Division, is scheduled to lead two program sessions during a visit to campus. Mr. Mackie gained notoriety for the successful prosecution of a Tennessee professor and a high-technology defense contractor for violating terms of the Arms Export Control Act, and we are looking forward to hearing from him because effective research compliance is a very significant priority for the Office of Research and Economic Development and our university. For additional information, please see www.msstate.edu/web/media/detail.php?id=6787

David Shaw is vice president for research and economic development at Mississippi State University.

Big Data presentation coming up Sept. 26Richard Ball, an associate professor of economics at Haverford College, will be on campus Sept. 26 to deliver a presentation about Big Data titled “Teaching Integrity in Empirical Research: A Soup-to-Nuts Protocol for Documenting Data Management and Analysis.” This topic is of great interest to very high research activity institutions like Mississippi State, and I hope you can attend his seminar from 3-5 p.m. in Colvard Student Union’s Fowlkes Auditorium. Please pre-register for this free session at www.tfaforms.com/336417

In addition, Dr. Ball’s presentation will count as a responsible conduct of research credit, and if you would like RCR credit for attending, please register at https://ssl2.msstate.edu/orc/workshops/loginorc.php

APLU's Innovation and Economic Prosperity University program
Since joining us as the new associate vice president for corporate engagement and economic development last month, Kathy Gelston has hit the ground running. She has been engaged with stakeholders on and off campus, and we are excited about expanding Mississippi State’s role in our state’s economy, creating opportunity, and working with industry and local communities. We believe that an important step in this process is attaining designation from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities as an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University, which “acknowledges universities working with public and private sector partners in their states and regions to support economic development through a variety of activities, including innovation and entrepreneurship, technology transfer, talent and workforce development, and community development.” Look for more news about this effort in the coming months.

Cross-college mini-grant program returns
We are again soliciting proposals from Mississippi State faculty who desire to create interdisciplinary, cross-college research groups on campus. This program has been a very popular research facilitation tool, and one that has demonstrated a strong return on our investment. The deadline to submit a funding proposal through the appropriate associate dean for research is Oct. 17, and you may find additional details and submission information at www.research.msstate.edu/rresources/news.php?id=3623

SEC travel grants available again
The Southeastern Conference Visiting Faculty Travel Grant Program is intended to enhance faculty collaboration that stimulates scholarly initiatives between SEC universities. It gives faculty from one SEC university the opportunity to travel to another SEC campus to exchange ideas, develop grant proposals, conduct research, consult with faculty and/or students, offer lectures or symposia, or engage in whatever activities are agreeable to the visitor and host unit. Mississippi State can select a maximum of four faculty members to receive 2015 travel grants of $2,500 each for transportation, room, board, etc., to use for travel to another SEC campus. Completed applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Sept. 12, and an application form and additional details about the program are online at www.msstate.edu/web/memo/story.php?id=2379

Responsible conduct of research training this month
As I have mentioned, the responsible conduct of research program is a critical component of Mississippi State’s research compliance portfolio. The second RCR live session of the fall semester is scheduled for Sept. 30 from 3-4 p.m. in Thompson Hall’s Tully Auditorium. Dr. Lucy Senter, our university laboratory animal veterinarian, will discuss the “Welfare of Laboratory Animals.” Her presentation can be broadcast to any Research and Extension Center. Please register for this session at https://ssl2.msstate.edu/orc/workshops/loginorc.php

Kudos and congratulations
Every month, I look forward to sharing success stories about our faculty and staff with you. Here are a few that have crossed my desk in the last few weeks:

* Congratulations to principal investigator Attila Karsi and his College of Veterinary Medicine colleagues, including Dr. Mark Lawrence, MSU-CVM associate dean for research, and Dr. Lesya Pinchuk, MSU-CVM associate professor and immunologist, for receiving USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture funding for a project expected to benefit our state’s catfish aquaculture industry. The MSU-CVM research team was one out of only four groups chosen from more than 50 submitted proposals.

* Kudos to the Ulysses S. Grant Association and executive director John F. Marszalek, Giles Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History, for the recent funding award from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission to continue work on Vols. I and II of the Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant. The Mississippi State-based association is working to produce an annotated scholarly edition of Grant's memoirs in print and a complete digital edition.

* Congratulations to principal investigator Judy Schneider and the Advanced Materials and Processing Research Group in the Bagley College of Engineering for securing two grants through the NASA-Marshall Space Flight Center Cooperative Agreement program, which provides funding opportunities for outside organizations to become partners with the center in developing dual-use technologies that benefit both the proposing organization and the space agency.

* Kudos to the Bagley College of Engineering’s Lakiesha Williams and the College of Education’s Linda Coats for recently receiving a grant from the National Science Foundation for a project to increase the number of underrepresented minorities in engineering who enter graduate schools and pursue careers in academia. They will be working with colleagues at the University of Akron and the University of Houston on this important issue.

* We were very pleased to learn last month that a proposal developed in conjunction with Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi -- “Indo-U.S. Initiatives on Cleaner Energy and Water Research” -- has been awarded funding as part of the U.S. State Department’s Obama-Singh 21st Century Knowledge Initiative, an educational partnership that aims to strengthen collaboration and build partnerships between American and Indian institutions of higher education. Special thanks to our MSU team led by Charles Pittman, emeritus professor of organic chemistry; Todd Mlsna, associate professor of analytical chemistry; and Jon Rezek, interim associate vice president for international programs. This collaboration is another milestone in the development of our international efforts.

Final words
As many of you know, a search is underway for a new director of the Office of Technology Management (formerly the Office of Entrepreneurship and Technology Transfer). We have been very pleased by the exceptional candidates who have applied, and the committee is looking forward to the next phase in the process. I will have more news to share with you in the coming weeks.

If you have any questions, suggestions or concerns about Mississippi State’s research and economic development activities, please feel free to contact me at dshaw@research.msstate.edu